Taking a deep breath to steady his aim, Caelum released the arrow, aiming directly at the creature's eye. The bowstring twanged softly, the sound almost lost in the vastness of the mines. The arrow flew true, slicing through the dim light and striking the Rockwolf squarely. The creature let out a pained howl, reeling from the sudden attack, its amber eyes now clouded with confusion and pain.
Elara, who had been watching intently, tensed, her dagger at the ready. "Nice shot," she whispered, her eyes following the wounded Rockwolf as it stumbled and tried to regain its bearings.
Caelum didn't respond, his focus entirely on the creature. He nocked another arrow, his movements fluid and precise. He knew that despite the successful first strike, the Rockwolf was far from defeated. These creatures were known for their resilience and tenacity.
The Rockwolf, now aware of the threat, scanned the area, its ears twitching, trying to locate its assailant. Caelum remained still, blending into the shadows of the mines. His experience as Eclipse, combined with his skills as a Gunslinger, made him a formidable hunter in these dark depths.
Elara watched Caelum, her admiration for his skills growing. She knew he was more than just a skilled fighter; there was a depth to him, a complexity that she found both intriguing and daunting.
Caelum fired another arrow, this time aiming for the Rockwolf's other eye. The arrow found its mark, further debilitating the creature. It howled in agony and frustration, now blinded and disoriented.
"We need to finish it quickly," Caelum said, his voice low and steady. "More are coming"
Rushing towards the wounded Rockwolf, Caelum's movements were swift and deliberate. Drawing two arrows simultaneously, he prepared to strike from close range, an unorthodox but effective tactic given the circumstances. The creature, blinded and disoriented, snarled in pain and confusion, its senses overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught.
Caelum's arrows found their mark with precision, piercing through the softer underbelly of the Rockwolf, a vulnerability he had quickly identified. The beast let out a final, pained howl before collapsing onto the rocky ground, its breaths growing shallow and then ceasing altogether.
Without a moment's delay, Caelum approached the fallen creature, his expression a blend of focus and efficiency. He knelt beside it, carefully inspecting it before storing the Rockwolf's body in his inventory.
Caelum stood up, scanning the surrounding area with a careful eye. "We need to keep moving," he said, his tone resolute. "We have nineteen more to hunt."
Elara followed him, her steps hesitant yet determined. As they ventured further into the mines, Caelum led the way, his HUD map guiding them through the labyrinthine tunnels. He picked isolated targets, using his bow and arrows to hunt from the shadows. Their strategy was to avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary.
The duo moved silently, their presence barely noticeable in the vast expanse of the mines. Caelum's aim was precise, each arrow striking true, taking down Rockwolves one by one. They worked in tandem, Elara assisting whenever possible, though her abilities were limited in the sparse environment of the mines.
As Caelum and Elara advanced deeper into the Northern Mines, their journey was marked by a series of strategic and stealthy engagements with the Rockwolves. The cavernous tunnels, echoing with the faint sounds of distant miners, served as a somber backdrop for their silent hunt. The dim lighting provided by sporadic torches cast long, dancing shadows, adding a layer of eerie suspense to their mission.
The twentieth Rockwolf lay ahead, its form barely discernible in the dim light. Caelum, using the advantage of his HUD map, positioned himself behind a large boulder, his bow ready. Elara crouched beside him, her dagger drawn, her eyes scanning the shadows.
Caelum's fingers were steady on the bowstring, his eyes fixed on the Rockwolf. With a swift, fluid motion, he released the arrow. It whistled through the air, striking the Rockwolf in the ear. The beast howled in pain and surprise, its eyes scanning the darkness for its unseen assailant.
Without hesitation, Caelum nocked another arrow, aiming for the creature's eye. The Rockwolf, wounded and disoriented, was an easy target. The second arrow hit its mark, and the creature collapsed with a final, guttural cry.
Elara let out a slow breath, her relief palpable. "That's the last of them," she whispered, her voice echoing softly in the tunnel.
Caelum nodded, his expression somber. "For now. Let's keep moving. We still have to find the Lodestarite ore."
System Quest Completion: Stonewall Siege
Rewards:
Experience Points (XP): +130 XP
Goldens: +12 Goldens
Blueprint: You have acquired the "Basic Armor-Piercing Bullet Blueprint.
Extra Benefits:
Improved Relations with Miners: Access to Ore Shop in Lighthaven.
Storing the last of the defeated Rockwolves into his inventory, Caelum dismissed the system prompt that announced the completion of their quest. The message flickered out of existence, leaving only the dim illumination of the mine and the steady, rhythmic dripping of water from stalactites. He turned to Elara, a look of determination etched on his face.
"We've cleared the way for now. The Rockwolves will retreat deeper into the mines, giving the miners some respite," he said, his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space.
Elara nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "What's next? The Lodestarite ore?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation.
Caelum checked his HUD map, the red dots that represented the Rockwolves receding into the background. "Yes, we're heading deeper. The Lodestarite is guarded by Glimmerfang Drakes. They're less armored than Rockwolves, but more agile and dangerous in other ways."
As they ventured further, the atmosphere of the mine changed. The air grew denser, and the faint luminescence from various minerals embedded in the walls provided a ghostly glow. Their path was marked by the occasional glint of a precious stone or the shimmer of a rare metal vein.
"Drakes, huh? I've heard they're quite the challenge," Elara said, gripping her dagger a bit tighter.
Caelum's eyes remained fixed on the path ahead. "They are. But we have an advantage. The Drakes are luminescent, easier to spot in the dark. Plus, my..." he paused for a moment, considering his words, "...experience will give us an edge."
The deeper they went, the more alien the environment became. Crystals jutted out from the walls, casting eerie shadows, and the sounds of the mine faded until only their footsteps and breathing remained.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the cavern, sending a shiver down Elara's spine. Caelum stopped in his tracks, his hand instinctively going to his gun.
Soon, Caelum and Elara saw lights dancing on the walls of the cave. They were close. The air was charged with a subtle energy, and the atmosphere grew tense as they moved deeper into the mines. The path before them was illuminated by the bioluminescent glow of Glimmerfang Drakes, their presence a clear sign they were nearing the Lodestarite ore.
Glimmerfang Drakes were small, serpentine creatures with sleek, iridescent scales shimmering in shades of blue and silver. Their slender bodies, about the length of an arm, were adorned with glowing star-like patterns, which pulsed with vibrant light, especially when they were feeding on the luminescent Lodestarite. These creatures moved with fluid grace, their bodies undulating through the air as if swimming through water.
Caelum's eyes narrowed as he observed the Drakes. "Stay alert," he warned Elara in a low voice. "They might be small, but they're fast and unpredictable. And they can emit a blinding light if threatened."
Elara nodded, her hand gripping her dagger tightly. "How do we approach them?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"We need to be quick and precise," Caelum replied. "Aim for the vital spots. I'll take the lead; follow my movements."